Assam-Nagaland border row: People suffer losses as blockade on National Highway 702D, counter-blockade continue

Our Reporter
Dimapur, Nov. 30 (EMN): With no breakthrough in sight on Assam-Nagaland border row, the blockade by Assam-based organisations on National Highway 702D, which connects the commercial town Mariani with Mokokchung, entered the 16th day on Monday. 

According to the deputy commissioner of Mokokchung, Limawapang Jamir, the blockade is still being imposed by Mariani-based organisations in Jorhat district.

The DC informed that he has submitted a report, containing the proposal from Jorhat administration as discussed on November 25, to the higher authorities and their response is awaited. The Jorhat administration is asking for withdrawal of a Nagaland Police camp from the disputed area.

When queried about the availability of essential commodities, Jamir said that as of now there is no shortage of essential commodities, adding that vegetables were brought from Dimapur.

He said that the administration is keeping a strict vigil on the prices of essential goods in the market. However, a slight rise in price of items had to be allowed as the cost of transportation has increased, he added.

When asked about the problems faced by villages that share border with Assam, the DC informed that the people are facing lots of difficulties and even travelling to Jorhat for medical treatment has become difficult for them now.

Jamir said that the main concern is the law and order front ‘as in this kind of situation, even a small incident could trigger large-scale law and order problem’.

The DC informed that police personnel were still deployed at the disputed area.

The secretary of Tsurangkong Range Naga Youth Front (TRNYF), Shiluyongdang, informed that as the Assam-based organisations are still imposing the blockade, the youth front is also continuing with its counter-blockade. 

He also informed that NSF and AKM official have visited the area on November 30.

For essential commodities, he said that the TRNYF has requested the Mokokchung administration to look into the situation, adding that for now they have enough supplies.

According to him, prior to the counter blockade, around 300-400 workers from Assam used to cross the border daily to work at various industrial units and farms in Nagaland. Now they are not allowed, he said, adding that the stand-off is causing losses to both sides. 

A senior executive of Japukong Youth Organisation, Yanger, informed that Assam organisations have started an economic blockade against Japukong section since November 28 over Assam-Nagaland border row. He said that essential commodities are not allowed to be transported to Nagaland.

Yanger said that they have stocked some of the essential goods, which may last for a week or so.  

He clarified that as of now, the blockade is only on essential commodities; movement of people is allowed as long as the vehicles they use are Assam-registered.

He said that they will wait for the state government’s response to the situation and decide what to do from their front.